You open in New Delhi at Humayun's Tomb, the garden mausoleum that set the template the Taj Mahal would perfect a century later, then take in India Gate and the ceremonial vistas of the Lutyens core.

Old Delhi follows at your pace, the Jama Masjid and a cycle-rickshaw run through Chandni Chowk, with a first briefing from your guide on the Mughal thread that ties the whole loop together.

A morning transfer brings you to Agra. In the afternoon you visit Itimad-ud-Daulah, the exquisite 'Baby Taj', the first Mughal tomb built entirely in marble and the design bridge to the Taj itself.

As the day cools you climb the red-sandstone Agra Fort, ending near the octagonal tower where Shah Jahan spent his final years with a distant view of the Taj, the perfect prelude to tomorrow's sunrise.

You enter the Taj Mahal at first light, then cross the river to Mehtab Bagh, the moonlight garden that frames the mausoleum in reflection, the photographer's angle most day-trippers never reach.

After breakfast you drive to Jaipur via UNESCO-listed Fatehpur Sikri, arriving in the Pink City by evening.

A full day in the Rajput capital: the hilltop Amber Fort and its Sheesh Mahal mirror hall, then Jaigarh Fort above it, home to Jaivana, once the world's largest wheeled cannon.

You end at Nahargarh Fort for sunset over the city, with the City Palace and Jantar Mantar woven in if you wish.

Your last morning takes in Jantar Mantar and the Hawa Mahal, with time in the bazaars for block-print textiles, blue pottery and gemstones.

After lunch at a heritage haveli, your chauffeur drives you back to Delhi in time for your onward flight.